2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and ruggedness, a combination that had defined the brand since its inception. Originating from the rugged Series I off-roader, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV with stout 4x4 underpinnings, appealing to wealthy British landowners. By 2012, the current-generation Range Rover was introduced, offering various trims like HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) configurations. Standard features included leather seating, heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof, while optional features ranged from heated rear seats to a 19-speaker Meridian audio system. The Autobiography and SVAutobiography trims added even more luxury, with features like massaging seats and unique styling touches.

The 2021 Volvo XC60, meanwhile, was a product of Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group, shedding its Ford shackles to become a near-luxury brand with a focus on safety and innovation. Built on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC60 shared its elegant, tailored design with other Volvo models, featuring short overhangs and crisp body details. The interior was a showcase of Scandinavian design, with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene aura. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a nod to Volvo's early adoption of large displays, and the cabin's details, like the elegant HVAC vents, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse selection of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim featured a non-hybrid version of the same engine, tuned to 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, delivering 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while a plug-in hybrid powertrain offered 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque with a 19-mile electric range. The SV Autobiography Dynamic trim boasted a 5.0-liter V8 tuned to 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, providing a blend of power and efficiency. The Range Rover's electronic air suspension and automatic load leveling ensured a comfortable ride, while its off-road capabilities were enhanced by the Terrain Response System.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine across its lineup, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models offered 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with front-wheel or all-wheel drive options. The T6 models, with a turbocharger and supercharger, produced 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the T8 models added an 87-hp electric motor for a combined 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered model increased output to 415 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The XC60's plug-in hybrid capability allowed for up to 19 miles of electric-only driving. The AWD system and torque vectoring provided agile handling, and the cabin remained quiet and comfortable. Fuel economy ranged from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway for the T5 FWD to 57 MPGe for the T8 in electric-only mode.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options, with standard seating for five or four with optional second-row captain’s chairs. The SWB version provided 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB model offered 77.5 cubic feet. Despite its luxury, the Range Rover's cargo space was less than some competitors. The hands-free power liftgate and two-piece configuration facilitated loading, and the center-console compartment, though not deep, was convenient.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with front seats praised for their adjustability and heating capabilities. The heating system excelled in winter conditions, and the rear glass heater and windshield defroster were effective against ice and snow. The cabin featured smart storage solutions, with intuitive controls for passengers. The XC60 offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Each model could tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, with two touchscreens for navigation, phone, stereo, and climate controls. The system's integrated dials changed functions based on the selected menu, though it required a learning curve. A fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display added to the tech offerings.

The 2021 Volvo XC60's Sensus system used a tablet-style touchpad interface, with a portrait orientation resembling an iPad. The screen was divided into function quadrants, allowing for intuitive operation, though it required familiarization. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system was exceptional.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features like low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. While the Range Rover offered a solid list of safety features, some competitors provided more standard equipment.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 benefited from Volvo's safety heritage, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance, and lane-keeping aid. Volvo's semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system was available, and the XC60's top speed was limited to 112 mph for safety.